The Supreme Court on Monday (October 26, 2026) pulled up the Rajasthan government over the role of its officials in facilitating illegal mining affecting the Jojari-Luni-Bandi river system, observing that mining leases had been regularised even after violations were detected. The court warned of a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe if the State failed to take remedial steps to address the environmental damage.
The court gave the State until the next hearing on November 27 to place its proposal on record. In August, the Supreme Court prohibited construction and development within 100 metres of the banks of the three rivers. It also barred hazardous industries and activities within 500 metres on either side of their existing flood lines.
“What have you done about providing statistics on illegal mining in the rivers? When illegal mining was pointed out, your officers went ahead and regularised those leases. If you don’t pull up your socks and mend your ways, we will be compelled to direct a CBI investigation. Raju, appearing for the Rajasthan government. The authorities were also directed to initiate appropriate proceedings against landowners or occupiers, as well as State officials, responsible for the lapses. “You say that you have registered FIRs. How do you maintain the river flow if you are giving contiguous leases? We fail to understand the bona fides of your officers… You are equally responsible for the pollution by closing your eyes and supporting this illegal activity,” Justice Mehta remarked. It also underlined that the economic viability of industries could not take precedence over the consequences of pollution for residents dependent on the river system.
That would land many of your officers in hot water,” a Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta told Additional Solicitor General S.V. The court had earlier directed the State government to “seal and dismantle” all illegal and unauthorised discharge points into the river, including bypass arrangements, manholes, chambers, pipelines and conduits.
The oral observations came during suo motu proceedings initiated by the top court last year following a news report flagging alarming levels of pollution in the Jojari river, which serves as a lifeline for nearly two million people in Rajasthan. The State government was accordingly asked to place before the court a workable plan for restoring the river system and ensuring that industries operate in compliance with environmental norms.
